Cruise the Mediterranean on board Horizon and Sovereign

The Mediterranean season for Pullmantur Cruises officially commences on the 22nd March 2017, with the three-night Costa Azul Cruise itinerary, which will see Sovereign depart out of Barcelona. In April, she will be joined by Horizon, which will sail the seven-night Legends of the Mediterranean Cruise itinerary out of Alicante.

These two ships will then operate itineraries that will take you to a plethora of destinations throughout the Mediterranean from the French Riviera to the islands of Greece. During days at sea, you will have a chance to fully appreciate everything these unique cruise ships have to offer. This week, we take a closer look under the hood of both Horizon and Sovereign.

Sovereign

Upon her launch, in 1988, the 2,850-passenger Sovereign was the largest cruise ship in the world to be built since Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. She was built for Royal Caribbean under the name of Sovereign of the Seas and remained the largest cruise ship in the world until 1995, when she was overtaken by Sun Princess. In 2008, she was transferred to Pullmantur – a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean – and her name was changed simply to Sovereign.

Guests can soak up the sun by the swimming pools on the top deck and take full advantage of the all-inclusive drinks package at either the Marina or Panorama bars. Children and teens will be able to enjoy themselves in one of the age-appropriate clubs or burn some energy in the sports court. There are also ping pong tables and a climbing wall available to enjoy. Meanwhile, parents can soak up the views from 360° bar and lounge or one of the many other lounges situated throughout the ship including the Spinnaker Piano Bar and the Broadway Show Lounge.

As well as the offering available in the restaurants included in the cruise fare, Sovereign also offers a range of casual venues and the speciality Wu Fusion Restaurant, where guests can sample delicious flavours from Far East Asia. After a delicious meal, you may appreciate starting a new day with a trip to the on board gym, which features top-of-the-range equipment and also hosts regular aerobics classes.

Horizon

After launching in 1989, the 1,828-passenger Horizon began life with Celebrity Cruises and sailed under the line for 15 years before being sold to Island Cruises in 2005. At this point, she acquired the name Island Star, but this changed once again in 2009 upon being sold to Pullmantur Cruises. She was originally named Pacific Dream, but this was changed once again in 2010 back to her original name, Horizon. She sailed with Pullmantur Cruises until 2012, when she was transferred to sister company, Croisieres de France, but 2017 will see her return to Pullmantur.

During the day on board the ship, if the weather permits, passengers can head to the top deck where they will find a range of pools, sun loungers and Jacuzzis in which to soak up the sun. There are also safer, shallower waters for younger passengers to enjoy. Children can enjoy the time of their lives in one of the many age appropriate kids clubs, while the video arcade offers a range of the latest games available to play.

While the children are away, parents can top up their tan in the solarium or enjoy a quiet meal together in one of the restaurants, which now feature offerings from renowned Michelin-star chef, Paco Roncero. Dinner can be accompanied by a drink in one of the many bars and lounges or even a trip to the on board nightclub. Those feeling lucky can head to the casino and try their luck at a range of games including blackjack, roulette, and slots.

Families can reunite in the evenings and watch one of the many shows available in the Grand Theatre Show Lounge, which will feature performances from magicians, comedians, and musical acts. Each new day on board can get off to a great start with a trip to the on board gym or by rewarding yourself with a relaxing spa treatment.

Prior to the beginning of the Mediterranean season, Pullmantur Cruises will operate the remaining Canary Islands itineraries. The last of these will be the three-night Andalucia and Canaries Cruise, which departs Lanzarote on 6th March 2017. As well as the Mediterranean itineraries available, Pullmantur Cruises will also operate a series of Baltic and Norwegian Fjords cruises.